End of Year Fundraising to Reduce Energy Burden

The Holiday season has arrived in Iowa. For most families this signifies a special time for gathering and celebrating together. For others, however, this time of year brings concerns for additional expenses like family meals, gifts, and household visitors. Energy burden, or the percentage of income spent on energy bills, continues to rise, especially for investor-owned utility (IOU) customers who recently received another rate hike. With colder weather approaching, a temperature-controlled dwelling becomes even more essential. Higher energy bills coupled with increasing inflation rates means area families may have to make tough choices between paying for heat and lights or providing a Holiday celebration. With energy burden rates exceeding 15-20% the Clayton County Energy District (CCED) is raising funds to expand and revitalize their energy efficiency technical assistance offerings to directly reduce energy costs.

The CCED has already established energy coaching services for the local community in previous years. These services included Green Iowa Americorp teams and local trades specialists trained in energy efficiency technical assistance. This year the CCED received partial grant funding for a revitalized program with a specific focus on free services for low-income households. Additionally, CCED board members have dedicated their time toward a fundraising campaign to raise dollars for audit equipment and other technical assistance expenses. The program is under redevelopment now, but the CCED will begin offering full resources in spring/summer of 2025.

The program consists of two parts: energy coaching and energy auditing. Energy coaching sessions are designed to explore the first steps of improving energy efficiency. These conversations explore the goals and needs of the homeowners and gather various information about the building. Energy audits are hands on testing of the structure and may include minor weatherization (caulking, door seals, etc.) as needed. The CCED would ideally align their program with the State of Iowa’s Inflation Reduction Act Rebates for energy efficiency and electrification. These rebates would provide thousands of dollars in rebate credits for equipment costs such as air source heat pumps in low-income households. The Clean Energy District network provides ongoing advocacy to the Reynolds administration and the CCED encourages Clayton County residents to join them in reaching out to the Governor’s office to ensure these resources reach the state.

Join the CCED this Holiday season in working toward reducing local energy burden. Supporters can donate to energy burden reduction through the CCED website or reach out to the Reynolds administration to encourage energy efficiency offerings for low-income households. This time of year provides an important reminder to give back to the community and provide support for those who need it the most. The Energy District movement drives local change toward a cleaner and more efficient energy future, but they also ensure that no one is left behind. Clayton County’s economy and environment grows stronger when local energy dollars stay in the local community.